Both are performance free ride kites but they are very different kiteboarding kites.
The best way to explain it is the switchblade is an automatic transmission the FX is more of a manual.

All that means is the Switchblade is going to do more of the work for you while the Fx is going to take some skill. This is a good thing or a bad thing depending on what your looking to get out of the ride.

New riders should definitely look to the Switchblade. Intermediate to advanced should ask themselves a few questions:

Am I ready to make a few trade offs and learn some new skills for a performance increase?

If you’ve pushed your riding as far as you plan on taking it but your looking for something different the Fx might be a good option for you. The same could be said if your looking to get into kite loops or unhooked riding.

Now, if you live somewhere with gusty conditions or you love feeling powered all the time on the water than stick with a switchblade.

The firs thing to consider is the wind range.
The switchblade reigns king here. You're absolutely going to get the most bang for your buck on a Switchblade. An experienced rider of about 180 lbs could ride a 12m switchblade in as little as 12 mph or as high as 25 miles per hour.

The Fx is going to have a reduced wind range and interestingly, you would want to size this kite up. For example, you would replace your 12 switchable with a 14 fx to get the same low end.

With the Fx your going to have to rely on board speed for jumps. Basically, the faster you go the higher you go.

You will have to work the Fx when the wind gets lighter.

Another thing to consider is jumping.
This is where that auto pilot comes into play. With the Switchblade you pretty much just pull the bar in and your going to get some good hang time.

With the Fx, you have the potential for a lot of airtime but it is going to take more skill between your board speed and your timing with pulling the bar in and releasing your edge.

They both have a lot of potential for massive air, it just comes down to what kind of ride you prefer.

How about upwindablibly?
The Switchblade is the winner here as well. It’s going to sit further forward in the wind window and rock you up wind.

The Fx actually isn’t that far behind in upwindablily but again, it’s going to take more skill out of the rider.

So who are each of these kites for?
Well, the switchblade is for anybody of any level. It’s going to kill it regardless of your choice riding style.

The Fx is also suited for everybody but I would recommend it for intermediate to advanced riders simply because the switchblade is going to make the learning curve a lot easier.

If you’re into really high level riding like kite loops, wake style or just like to ride aggressive the Fx is going to be a really fun option.

I hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions or what other vides you would like to see. if this video helped be sure to give it a thumbs up and subscribe to our channel for more content.